2009 Costa Rica Uno Team
We would like to thank Russel and Pennae Johnsen of The Johnsen Family Fund for their generous donations which are enabling several service projects in Costa Rica.
It's been three days since leaving Costa Rica and although my body is here physically, another piece of my heart has been left behind. In my day to day routine I find my thoughts drifting off to all the special memories made that are now tucked away in the corner of my mind.
This would be my third trip to Costa Rica and from the moment the plane touched down it felt as though God was welcoming me back to this beautiful land of mountains, luscious landscaping and beautiful people.
We stayed in Guayabo on the Banyan Resource Property that GTD is helping to develop into a school, fish farm, retreat center, orphanage, mission and adventure base.
Our host missionaries, Doug and Gayla Richardson, warmly welcomed us along with their visitors, Gayla's sister Deb and her brother in-law Pastor Don.
Don and Deb
While staying on the property we were blessed to have a local Costa Rican woman named Aryselle and her daughter Lillianna cook amazing meals for us.
Aryselle, Lillianna and Juan
Monday evening we had the privilege of Aryselle's husband Juan sing for us and share his testimony. It was a beautiful night full of music, dancing and laughter. Ariel, a local 17 year old Costa Rican joined us and gave the team lessons in Salsa. Needless to say, we American's have a lot to learn!
Each day together started out with daily devotions and ended with a nightly
Impact Point (biblical teaching).
Nightly Impact Point
In the mornings we spent 30 minutes apart studying God's word. Once finished we'd join back together at the Corral to share what we had learned during our quite time. Each person on the team participated in big ways, shared their hearts and allowed God to use them to teach each other. The comfort level together was high, emotions were raw and there were even moments of tears and belly aching laughter!
During the evenings we had some special guest speakers including Juan (the musician), Pastor Danello (Pastor from Guayabo church), Doug and Gayla (missionaries) , Don (Pastor from Canada) and Doug Garner (GTD's founder). For each of us these times together were incredible and our lives were forever touched by those who shared their stories.
Shaggy (Interpreter) with Pastor Danello
While in Costa Rica we had some work projects to complete. The first was a painting and clean up project of a school in a little town called Rio Blanco. It's between Guayabo and Fortuna. Together we painted two classrooms, pressure washed sidewalks, cleaned up the yard and painted the entire wall in front of the school that acts as a gate and entrance to the school.
It's amazing what a little paint and hard work can accomplish. You can see from the pictures what a difference we made. We were so excited to be a part of this community outreach program. Each team member poured themselves into the work before them and finished with a great sense of accomplishment. We only wished we were able to see the reaction of the teachers and students when they returned back to school in February.
The next project we completed was pulling up and replacing a fallen culvert outside the Corral. In addition we dug a ditch and post holes for fencing. Again, the team poured themselves into these projects. Men and Women together got down and dirty digging out clay, rocks, dirt and water. People were shoveling, swinging pick axes, digging holes and all the while enjoying every minute of it. Not once did I hear a complaint. All the work was completed with a happy heart.
In the mix of all the work we were able to explore God's amazing playground. We took a
tour of the property once by foot and another by horseback.
Another day we went zip lining through the Rain Forest Canopy.
We went to Thermal Mania (hot spring pools) to swim, fellowship and eat dinner. Another afternoon we spent at Playa Hermosa (Beautiful Beach) swimming, snorkeling, playing Ultimate Frisbee and a taking in an incredible sunset.
It's amazing to see how much work was accomplished in such little time with a group dedicated in helping out God's mission in Costa Rica. Thanks to Doug and Gayla for playing such a vital roll in GTD's efforts and for helping our team in so many countless ways. We love you both and are moved to see how God is using you. Together you are making a huge difference in people's lives.
Pictures with Doug and Gayla Richardson
Below are videos of the school yard in Rio Blanco, Playa Hermosa and the culvert work project.
Our host missionaries, Doug and Gayla Richardson, warmly welcomed us along with their visitors, Gayla's sister Deb and her brother in-law Pastor Don.
Don and DebWhile staying on the property we were blessed to have a local Costa Rican woman named Aryselle and her daughter Lillianna cook amazing meals for us.
Aryselle, Lillianna and Juan
Monday evening we had the privilege of Aryselle's husband Juan sing for us and share his testimony. It was a beautiful night full of music, dancing and laughter. Ariel, a local 17 year old Costa Rican joined us and gave the team lessons in Salsa. Needless to say, we American's have a lot to learn!Each day together started out with daily devotions and ended with a nightly
Impact Point (biblical teaching).
Nightly Impact PointIn the mornings we spent 30 minutes apart studying God's word. Once finished we'd join back together at the Corral to share what we had learned during our quite time. Each person on the team participated in big ways, shared their hearts and allowed God to use them to teach each other. The comfort level together was high, emotions were raw and there were even moments of tears and belly aching laughter!
During the evenings we had some special guest speakers including Juan (the musician), Pastor Danello (Pastor from Guayabo church), Doug and Gayla (missionaries) , Don (Pastor from Canada) and Doug Garner (GTD's founder). For each of us these times together were incredible and our lives were forever touched by those who shared their stories.
Shaggy (Interpreter) with Pastor DanelloWhile in Costa Rica we had some work projects to complete. The first was a painting and clean up project of a school in a little town called Rio Blanco. It's between Guayabo and Fortuna. Together we painted two classrooms, pressure washed sidewalks, cleaned up the yard and painted the entire wall in front of the school that acts as a gate and entrance to the school.
It's amazing what a little paint and hard work can accomplish. You can see from the pictures what a difference we made. We were so excited to be a part of this community outreach program. Each team member poured themselves into the work before them and finished with a great sense of accomplishment. We only wished we were able to see the reaction of the teachers and students when they returned back to school in February.
The next project we completed was pulling up and replacing a fallen culvert outside the Corral. In addition we dug a ditch and post holes for fencing. Again, the team poured themselves into these projects. Men and Women together got down and dirty digging out clay, rocks, dirt and water. People were shoveling, swinging pick axes, digging holes and all the while enjoying every minute of it. Not once did I hear a complaint. All the work was completed with a happy heart.
In the mix of all the work we were able to explore God's amazing playground. We took atour of the property once by foot and another by horseback.
Another day we went zip lining through the Rain Forest Canopy.
We went to Thermal Mania (hot spring pools) to swim, fellowship and eat dinner. Another afternoon we spent at Playa Hermosa (Beautiful Beach) swimming, snorkeling, playing Ultimate Frisbee and a taking in an incredible sunset.
It's amazing to see how much work was accomplished in such little time with a group dedicated in helping out God's mission in Costa Rica. Thanks to Doug and Gayla for playing such a vital roll in GTD's efforts and for helping our team in so many countless ways. We love you both and are moved to see how God is using you. Together you are making a huge difference in people's lives.
Pictures with Doug and Gayla Richardson
Below are videos of the school yard in Rio Blanco, Playa Hermosa and the culvert work project.
1 comment:
fabulous, fabulous, fabulous pics! you are making me want to go back SO MUCH!!! (especially as it is ZERO degrees here currently!) beautiful place and a beautiful ministry. so glad you are doing this to share.... xoxo
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